Does iron deficiency cause melasma

According to the Russian Open Medical Journal (ROMJ), there is some evidence of iron-deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency causing hyperpigmentation.

According to ROMJ, iron-deficiency anemia is a health problem that occurs most often in women of reproductive age or in younger women. This is also the group of women who are most susceptible to melasma. The study also reported that low levels of hemoglobin (Hb), serum levels of iron, ferritin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were observed in patients with melasma. However, the nutritional habits of patients with melasma also greatly influence this serum level. It was said in this research that women suffering from the problem of melasma have very little iron at high TIBC levels.

Current research also indicates that the problem of anemia has been seen repeatedly in women suffering from melasma and their iron level is also very low. The research also revealed that iron levels in patients with melasma and recurrent anemia may be different due to a disease or age. That is, it is difficult to say what percentage of patients with melasma have low iron levels.

The results of research by Kazi et al (2017) also observed the frequency of recurrent anemia and iron deficiency in women with melasma, which is in line with current research findings. In the conclusion of this research, it was proved that the iron profile of women suffering from melasma is different from that of normal women. It is also believed that the high frequency of anemia can lead to melasma.

(Read more: Anemia diet: what to eat, what not to eat in anemia)

It is generally believed that melasma can be caused by a malfunction of the melanocytes in the skin, causing them to produce too much colour. It is also said that people with dark skin are more prone to melasma, as they have more melanocytes than people with light skin.

Doctors still do not completely understand why melasma occurs but some reasons can be:

• Hormone changes during pregnancy (chloasma)
• Hormone treatment
• Contraceptive pill side effects
• Excessive sun exposure
• Certain skin or beauty products that may cause irritation or allergy
• Genetic problem
• Iron-deficiency anemia

(Read more: Skin allergy)